Combination game controller and information input device

ABSTRACT

An apparatus generally directed to a combination game controller and information input device. The combination preferably includes a tablet computer providing a plurality of sides, in which each of the sides are disposed between an electronic display screen and a back of the tablet computer. The combination further preferably includes an input device in electronic communication with the tablet computer, the input device providing side structures adjacent to and confining the tablet computer on at least two opposing sides of the tablet computer. The input device further preferably providing input module apertures, each input module aperture selectively accepts either a game control module or a removable keyboard module. The input module apertures are preferably adjacent each of the at least two opposing sides of the tablet computer, and a camera communicating with each the input device and the tablet computer, the camera selectively capturing either still or video images.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/494,801 filed on Jun. 12, 2012, which in turn claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 61/577,709filed on Dec. 20, 2011.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a preferred embodiment, a combination preferably includes a tabletcomputer providing a plurality of sides, in which each of the sides aredisposed between an electronic display screen and a back of the tabletcomputer. The combination further preferably includes an input device inelectronic communication with the tablet computer, the input deviceproviding side structures adjacent to and confining the tablet computeron at least two opposing sides of the tablet computer. The input devicefurther preferably providing input module apertures, each input moduleaperture selectively accepts either a game control module or a removablekeyboard module. The input module apertures are preferably adjacent eachof the at least two opposing sides of the tablet computer, and a cameracommunicating with each the input device and the tablet computer, thecamera selectively capturing either still or video images.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view, with partial cutaway, of anembodiment an electronic game control apparatus constructed and operatedin accordance with various embodiments disclosed and claimed herein.

FIG. 2 shows a back plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 displays a right side plan view, with partial cutaway, of theapparatus of FIG. 1, constructed in accordance with various embodimentsdisclosed and claimed herein.

FIG. 4 depicts a right side plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 1,constructed in accordance with various embodiments disclosed and claimedherein.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of an inputdevice of FIG. 1, constructed in accordance with various embodimentsdisclosed and claimed herein.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 8 displays a front perspective view, with partial cutaway, of acombination electronic game control and information input deviceconstructed and operated in accordance with various embodimentsdisclosed and claimed herein.

FIG. 9 depicts a back plan view of the combination of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 illustrates a front perspective view, with partial cutaway, ofan alternate embodiment of a combination electronic game control andinformation input device constructed and operated in accordance withvarious embodiments disclosed and claimed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure generally relates to a combination gamecontroller and information input device directed to controllingelectronic games and entry of information to a tablet computer, alsoreferred to herein as video games, computer and applications games. Theapparatus preferably includes a tablet computer, an electronic gamecommunicating with the tablet computer, and an input device forcontrolling movement of a virtual object provided by the electronicgame, and entry of information into the tablet computer. In a preferredembodiment, the input device includes a pair of opposing side structuresadjacent opposing sides of plurality of sides of the tablet computer.The input device further preferably includes a plurality of inputswitches, wherein said input switches are adjacent each of the at leasttwo opposing sides of the plurality of sides of the tablet computer, anda bridge structure disposed between the pair of sides to form a threesided structure. The third structure mitigates inadvertent removal ofthe tablet computer from the three sided structure when the tabletcomputer is fully nested within the three sided structure.

Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 provides an exemplary game controllerand information entry device (“G & D”) 100 capable of being used inaccordance with various embodiments of the present invention. Theexemplary G & D 100 has at least a tablet computer 102 that providing aplurality of sides, such as 104, 106, 108, and 126. Each of theplurality of sides 104, 106, and 108 are disposed between an electronicdisplay screen 110, of the tablet computer 102, and a back 112 (shown byFIG. 2) of the tablet computer 102 operates. The G & D 100 furtherpreferably includes an input device 114.

In a preferred embodiment, the input device 114 provides a pair of sidestructures, 116 and 118. One of the pair of side structures, for example116, is adjacent to and confines the tablet computer 102 on a firstside, such as 104 of the plurality of sides 104, 106, 108, and 126 ofthe tablet computer 102. The second side structure of the pair of sidestructures, such as 118, is adjacent to and confines the tablet computer102 on a second side, such as 108, of the plurality of sides 104, 106,108, and 126 of the tablet computer 102, wherein the first and secondsides, such as 104 and 108, of the plurality of sides 104, 106, 108, and126 of the tablet computer 102 are opposing sides of the plurality ofsides 104, 106, 108, and 126, of the tablet computer 102.

In a preferred embodiment, the input device 114 further provides aplurality of removable game control modules 120 and 122, wherein theremovable game control modules 120 and 122 are adjacent each of the atleast two opposing sides 104 and 108, of the plurality of sides 104,106, 108, and 126, of the tablet computer 102, and a bridge structure124, disposed between the pair of side structures 116 and 118, andadjacent the third side 126, of the plurality of sides 104, 106, 108,and 126, of the tablet computer 102.

In a preferred embodiment, the removable game control modules 120 and122 may be removed from the input device 114, and replaced by removablekeyboard modules 164 and 166, of FIG. 8. To facilitate the exchange ofmodules, the input device preferably provides a pair of input moduleapertures 170. The removable keyboard modules collectively form a fullfunction keyboard and each provide an auxiliary electronic displayscreen (“ADS”) 168, each ADS 168 having at least the functionality ofthe electronic display screen 110.

In an alternate embodiment, shown by FIG. 10, the removable keyboardmodules 164 and 166 are a pair of touch responsive electronic displayscreens 172 and 174, each of the touch responsive electronic displayscreens having at least the functionality of the electronic displayscreen 110, include the functionality of a mouse pad portions 176 and178, and selectively presents keys of a keyboard 180 and 182 forinformation entry. Preferably, the keys are virtual keys that respond toa touch by a user.

Returning to FIG. 1, preferably, the bridge structure 124 in combinationwith the pair of side structures 116 and 118 form a three sidedstructure 128 (of FIG. 5) (also referred to herein as a u-shapedstructure 128 of the input device 114), in which the tablet computer 102nests, such that the tablet computer 102 is confined by the u-shapedstructure 128, and the u-shaped structure 128 mitigates inadvertentremoval of the tablet computer 102 from the u-shaped structure 128 whenthe tablet computer 102 is fully nested within the three sided structure128.

The G & D 100 of FIG. 1, further preferably includes a video game 130.Preferably, the video game 130 provides a virtual object 132 displayedby the electronic display screen 110, the virtual object 132 isresponsive to input from the input device 114. An example of a responseof the virtual object 132 would be movement of the virtual object 132,or the loading of an alternate computer game, based on a predeterminedsignal provided by the input device 114, or an appearance of acharacter. It is noted that FIG. 1 displays the housings of theplurality of switches, whereas at least some of the plurality ofswitches are shown in the partial cutaway of FIG. 3.

FIG. 2 depicts and reveals the back 112 of the tablet computer 102.Further shown by FIG. 2, is the input device 114, which provides a pairof trigger switches 136 and 138, supported by their corresponding sidestructures 116 and 118 respectively.

FIG. 3 shows that a predetermined number of the plurality of switches140, collaborate with each other to form an input apparatus 142, theinput apparatus 142 controls display of virtual objects displayed on theelectronic display screen 110 of the tablet computer 102. Preferably,the input apparatus 142 is a joystick 142. FIG. 3 further shows that theinput device 114 provides a plurality of buttons 144 and 119 of theremovable game control modules 120, which activate correspondingswitches 145 and 121. The main function of the trigger 138, the joystick142, and the buttons 144 and 119 of the removable game control modules120 is to govern the movement/actions of a playable body/object orotherwise influence events in a video game 130 (of FIG. 1) or analternate computer game.

FIG. 4 shows the G & D 100, further includes a second joystick 146, anda second button 148, which are provided on the side structure 116,adjacent trigger 136. While FIG. 5 shows the central processing unit(CPU) 150, of the input device 114.

FIG. 6 shows the input device 114 includes the CPU 150, interacting withthe plurality of switches 152, which preferably include at leastswitches 119 of the removable game control modules 120 (of FIG. 1),switches 117 of the removable game control modules 122 (of FIG. 1), 136,138, 142, 144, 146, and 148 (of FIGS. 2 and 3). FIG. 6 further shows theinput device 114 includes a communications protocol 154 providing thecommunication link between the tablet computer 102, and the input device114. In a preferred embodiment a Universal Serial Bus (USB)communications protocol is utilized. However, as those skilled in theart will recognize, the communications protocol 154 is not limited to aUSB protocol.

FIG. 6 further shows that the tablet computer 102 preferably includes atleast a CPU 156, interacting with the electronic display screen 110, thevideo game 130, a device driver 158, which facilitates the interactionbetween the tablet computer 102 and the input device 114, and acommunications protocol 160 providing the communication link between thetablet computer 102, and the input device 114. In a preferred embodimenta Universal Serial Bus (USB) communications protocol is utilized.However, as those skilled in the art will recognize, the communicationsprotocol 160 is not limited to a USB protocol.

FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of an exemplary game controller162, in which the device driver 158 and the video game 130 are locatedin the input device 114.

FIG. 8 shows in a preferred embodiment, the G & D 100 includes a firstcamera 184, on a first side of the tablet computer 102, a second camera186, on the back side of the tablet computer 102 (shown by FIG. 9), athird camera 188 on a first side of the input device 114, and a fourthcamera 190 on the back side of the input device 114 (shown by FIG. 9).

In a preferred embodiment, each of the four cameras may selectivelyfunction independently, or may be used in conjunction with one another,and each of the four cameras 184, 186, 188, and 190 are fully functionalin capturing still and video images. Additionally, and preferably, thefirst and second cameras 184 and 186, are fully operative, even when thetablet computer 102 is detached from the input device 114, while thethird and fourth cameras 188 and 190 are fully functional, even when theinput device 114 is detached from the tablet computer 102.

In a preferred embodiment, when the tablet computer 102 is nested in theinput device 114, the first and second cameras, 184 and 186, areresponsive, either independently or simultaneously, to input from eitherthe tablet computer 102, or the input device 114, depending on whichdevice is selected for control of the first and second cameras, 184 and186. Further, in the preferred embodiment, each the tablet computer 102and the input device 114, are configured with a Bluetooth protocol stackcommunication feature, which permits the user to operate the first andsecond cameras, 184 and 186, of the tablet computer 102 with the inputdevice 114, even when the tablet computer 102 is detached from the inputdevice 114. Likewise, when the tablet computer 102 and the input device114 are configured with a Bluetooth protocol stack communicationfeature, the user may operate the third and fourth cameras, 188 and 190,of the input device 114, using the tablet computer 102. In other words,in the preferred embodiment, each of the four cameras 184, 186, 188, and190, may be selectively operated, individually or collectively, whetheror not the tablet computer 102 is nested within the input device 114.

FIG. 9 shows that in a preferred embodiment, the input device 114,includes an auxiliary power source 192, and an auxiliary data storagedevice 194, which preferably includes a cache portion 196. Preferably,the auxiliary power source 192, is a lithium ion battery, which providespower to the input device 114, and the tablet computer 102, when thepower source of the tablet computer 102 is depilated; and the datastorage device 194 is a solid state hard drive.

In the preferred embodiment, the cache 196 is sized to buffersynchronized input from each of the cameras 184, 186, 188, and 190, suchthat the auxiliary data storage device 194 may store and retrieveimages, still or video, for display seamlessly, including a simultaneousoutput of video images recorded by each of the cameras 184, 186, 188,and 190.

In a non-limiting exemplary application of utilizing the cameras 184,186, 188, and 190, the first camera 184 could be trained on aninformation presenter, while the second camera 186 is trained on aportion of an audience attending the presentation. The third camera 188,could be trained on a screen used by the presenter for presenting theirinformation to the audience, while the fourth camera is trained on analternate portion of the audience. By simultaneously replaying therecorded presentation, a response of the audience to the information,and sequence of information being presented, may be analyzed forfostering improvements to the presentation.

It is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics andconfigurations of various embodiments of the present invention have beenset forth in the foregoing description, together with details of thestructure and function of various embodiments of the invention, thisdetailed description is illustrative only, and changes may be made indetail, especially in matters of structure and arrangements of partswithin the principles of the present invention to the full extentindicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which theappended claims are expressed. For example, the particular elements mayvary depending on the particular tablet computer without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device comprising: a tablet computer, thetablet computer providing a plurality of sides, each of the plurality ofsides are disposed between an electronic display screen of the tabletcomputer and a back of the tablet computer; an input device inelectronic communication with the tablet computer, the input deviceproviding side structures, the side structures adjacent to and confiningthe tablet computer on at least two opposing sides of the plurality ofsides of the tablet computer, the input device further providing inputmodule apertures, each input module aperture selectively accepts eithera game control module or a removable keyboard module, wherein said inputmodule apertures are adjacent each of the at least two opposing sides ofthe plurality of sides of the tablet computer; and a cameracommunicating with each the input device and the tablet computer, thecamera selectively capturing either still or video images.
 2. The deviceof claim 1, in which the keyboard module provides an auxiliaryelectronic display screen having at least the functionality of theelectronic display screen.
 3. The device of claim 1, further comprisingan auxiliary power source communicating with each the input device andthe tablet computer.
 4. The device of claim 1, further comprising anauxiliary data storage device communicating with each the input deviceand the tablet computer.
 5. The device of claim 1, in which the camerais a first camera, and further comprising a second camera, the firstcamera having a lens facing the user while the user is facing theelectronic display screen, and the second camera having a lens facing ina direction opposite that of the first camera.
 6. The device of claim 1,in which the removable keyboard module is a pair of touch responsiveelectronic display screens, each of the touch responsive electronicdisplay screens having at least the functionality of the electronicdisplay screen, includes the functionality of a mouse pad, andselectively presents virtual keys of a keyboard for information entry.7. The device of claim 2, further comprising an auxiliary power sourcecommunicating with each the input device and the tablet computer.
 8. Thedevice of claim 7, further comprising an auxiliary data storage devicecommunicating with each the input device and the tablet computer.
 9. Thedevice of claim 8, in which the camera is a first camera, and furthercomprising a second camera, the first camera having a lens facing theuser while the user is facing the electronic display screen, and thesecond camera having a lens facing in a direction opposite that of thefirst camera.
 10. The device of claim 9, in which the auxiliaryelectronic display screen includes the functionality of a mouse pad, themouse pad controlling a pointer device of the electronic display screen.11. An apparatus comprising: a tablet computer, the tablet computerproviding a plurality of sides, each of the plurality of sides aredisposed between an electronic display screen of the tablet computer anda back of the tablet computer; an application displayed on theelectronic display screen of the tablet computer; and means for a user'sinteraction with the application displayed on the electronic displayscreen of the tablet computer.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, in whichthe means for controlling the movement of the object displayed on theelectronic display screen is provided by an input device, the inputdevice comprises: a plurality of side structures, the side structuresadjacent to and confining the tablet computer on at least two opposingsides of the plurality of sides of the tablet computer, the input devicefurther providing input module apertures, each input module apertureselectively accepts either a game control module or a removable keyboardmodule, wherein said input module apertures are adjacent each of the atleast two opposing sides of the plurality of sides of the tabletcomputer; and a camera communicating with each the input device and thetablet computer, the camera selectively capturing either still or videoimages, in which the camera is responsive to the removable keyboardmodule when said keyboard module is operatively installed within theinput module aperture.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, in which theremovable keyboard module is a pair of touch responsive electronicdisplay screens, each of the touch responsive electronic display screenshaving at least the functionality of the electronic display screen,includes the functionality of a mouse pad, and selectively presentsvirtual keys of a keyboard for information entry.
 14. The apparatus ofclaim 13, further comprising an auxiliary power source communicatingwith each the input device and the tablet computer.
 15. The apparatus ofclaim 14, further comprising an auxiliary data storage devicecommunicating with each the input device and the tablet computer. 16.The apparatus of claim 15, in which the camera is a first camera, andfurther comprising a second camera, the first camera having a lensfacing the user while the user is facing the pair of touch responsiveelectronic display screens, and the second camera having a lens facingin a direction opposite that of the first camera.
 17. The apparatus ofclaim 16, in which said first and second cameras are fully functionalwhen the tablet computer is either attached or detached from the inputdevice.
 18. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising an auxiliarypower source communicating with each the input device and the tabletcomputer, the auxiliary power source is fully functional when the tabletcomputer is either attached or detached from the input device.
 19. Theapparatus of claim 16, further comprising an auxiliary data storagedevice communicating with each the input device and the tablet computer,the data storage device is fully functional when the tablet computer iseither attached or detached from the input device.
 20. The apparatus ofclaim 16, in which said first and second cameras are fully functionalwhen the tablet computer is either attached or detached from the inputdevice, and further comprising: an auxiliary power source communicatingwith each the input device and the tablet computer, the auxiliary powersource is fully functional when the tablet computer is either attachedor detached from the input device; and an auxiliary data storage devicecommunicating with each the input device and the tablet computer, thedata storage device is fully functional when the tablet computer iseither attached or detached from the input device.